Driver's license restoration psychological evaluation
Michigan's driver's license restoration process, administered through the Michigan Secretary of State, requires a psychological evaluation. Encore Psychology conducts these evaluations, structured to meet the documentation standards of the license appeal proceeding.
These evaluations are performed by Dr. Brooke Colman, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and part of Michigan Healthcare Professionals (MHP).
What Michigan's restoration process requires
To petition for restoration of a revoked Michigan license, applicants must demonstrate a period of abstinence and present evidence of sobriety, including documentation from clinical evaluations. The psychological evaluation is one component of that documentation package, alongside a substance use evaluation.
The psychological evaluation addresses the applicant's psychological functioning in the context of their history with substances, their current mental health, and factors relevant to their ongoing recovery and the likelihood of safe, sober driving. Findings are incorporated into the documentation submitted for the license appeal hearing.
Because this evaluation is part of a formal legal process, it is conducted and reported in a manner consistent with that context. The evaluator's role is neutral and professional.
Who typically refers
Driver's license restoration psychological evaluations are commonly arranged through:
- Attorneys representing the individual in the license appeal proceeding
- Substance use evaluation providers who coordinate the full documentation package
- Individuals representing themselves in the restoration process
What the evaluation involves
The evaluation at Encore Psychology includes:
- A structured clinical interview covering psychological history, substance use history, and current mental health and functioning
- Standardized psychological assessment instruments relevant to the referral question
- Review of available documentation provided in advance (prior evaluations, treatment records, court records where applicable)
Evaluations are conducted in person at 33 Bloomfield Hills Parkway, Suite 225, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304, Monday through Friday.
The written report
The report documents clinical findings and conclusions specific to the license restoration referral question. Reports are multi-page and are prepared to meet the professional standards of a formal license restoration proceeding.
After testing, Dr. Colman conducts a feedback session before the report is finalized.
Report turnaround is typically 5 to 10 business days for private-pay clients. Insurance turnaround (BCBS, BCN, Priority Health) is 6 to 8 weeks. If your hearing date is approaching, an expedited 48-hour turnaround is available to private-pay clients for an additional fee. Mention your hearing date when you reach out.
Insurance and fees
Encore Psychology accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Blue Care Network (BCN), and Priority Health. We do not accept Medicaid. Private pay is available. Coverage for driver's license restoration evaluations varies by plan; contact us to verify your specific benefits before scheduling.
Superbills are available on request for clients seeking out-of-network reimbursement.
Fees for driver's license restoration evaluations vary by scope and are confirmed at your intake session. See our fees and insurance page for an overview.
Scheduling
The time from initial contact to first appointment is typically around six weeks. If your license appeal hearing has a scheduled date, please note it when you reach out so we can plan accordingly.
Driver's license restoration evaluations at Encore are led by Dr. Brooke Colman, PsyD, LP, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and part of Michigan Healthcare Professionals (MHP). The reports are formatted to the specifics that Michigan license appeal hearing officers find most useful.
Learn more about Dr. Colman →Related services
- Back to Specialty and Forensic Evaluations
- Referring attorneys and evaluation providers: For Providers
Contact us about a driver's license restoration evaluation
Reach out if you'd like to discuss the specifics of your case first. Mention your hearing date if one is scheduled.
- Will my attorney be involved?
- If you'd like. We're happy to coordinate directly with your attorney, including delivering the report to them and discussing the case as needed.
- I don't have an attorney yet. Should I get one before scheduling?
- Not necessarily. Some clients arrive with an attorney already; others come to us first and we can refer to a Michigan attorney experienced in license restoration work.
- Will the report guarantee a successful restoration?
- No. We provide a thorough, honest, and well-formatted psychological evaluation, but the hearing officer makes the final decision based on the whole petition package. We can tell you during intake what we think the strengths and gaps of your case look like.
- How long does the report take?
- Standard turnaround is 5 to 10 business days for private-pay clients. Insurance turnaround (BCBS, BCN, Priority Health) is 6 to 8 weeks. A 48-hour expedited option is available for private-pay clients when a hearing date is approaching.
A first conversation, on your terms.
Reach out by phone or message. We return inquiries within one to two business days.